Styx guitarist and Illinois native James Young says, “As we approach the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination, I’m reminded of his famous quote, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country’. The good people of Illinois lent support and a helping hand to every artist on this bill at different times in their respective careers, and we owe a tremendous debt. It’s our turn to ask what we can do for this great state, and the best way we know to help those in need is to get on stage and let the incredible healing power of music play its part in rebuilding Illinois.”

REO Speedwagon star Kevin Cronin adds, “I am Illinois born and bred. REO Speedwagon is an Illinois band. The word ‘Illinois’ is music to me. The utter devastation and human suffering in Washington, and the surrounding areas is heartbreaking. I believe that we need to take care of our own… The people of Illinois are our own, and we are theirs.”